Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-02-12

roll through alleged dependence. Recent
Persohal observation aud experience con-
STRAIN me to refer to another result which
VIII inevitably follow the passage of this bill.
III is SAD, but nevertheless true that already
IN the matter OF procuring pensions there
exists widespread disregard of truth and
goou falth. stimulated by those who, as
agents, undertake TO establish claims for PEN
slons, heedlessly entered upon by the eN-
nectant beneficiary. and encouraged, or at
least not condemned by those unwilling to
obstruct neighbor's plans. In the eXecu-
tlon OF TINS proposed aw.under any lnterpre-
tatlon, wide field ofinquiry would be opened
ior the establishment of facts largely within
the kuowledge Of the claimants alone,
ana there can he no doubt that the race
after pensions. offered by this bill. would not
only SIN llate weakness and pretended IN :
capacity to labor, but put further premium
on dishonesty and mendaCty.
ERRONEOUS ESTIMATES.
"he Chairman of the House COMMITTEES on
Pensions calculates that the number of PEN
sloners under this bill would be 35, l05 and
Woulo increase the annual cost $4,761 ,l20. THIS
Is upon the theory that only those who are
entirely unable to WORK would be its benefi-
Charles. -
The President presents a few striking
statistics illustrating how completely at
tault have been the previous advance
estimates OF the probable effect of pension
legislation, and goes on to say:
III none should be pensioned under this bill
except those utterly unable to work. am
satlsned that the cost stated in the estimate
referred TO would be many times multiplied
ana with constant increase from year to year,
ana II those partially unable to earn their
support should be admitted to the privileges
OF this bill the probable increase of expense
would De almost appalling. | think it may be
said that at the close of the war of the rebel
lion every Northern State and great majority
OF the Northern counties and cities we're bur
dened with taxation on account of the large
DOuNttee maid A0Ttlipra and the hnndpH
debt thereby created still constitutes large
Item In the account of the tax gatherer against
the people, Federated taxation, no less borne
by the people than that directly levied upon
their property, is still maintained at the rate
made necessary by the eXigencies Of the war.
III this bill should become 4 law with its tre-
mendous addition to our previous obligation,
| am thoroughly convinced that further ef-
forts to reduce the Federal revenue and re-
store some part of it to our people will and
perhaps should be, seriously questioned.
AN ARMY OF PENSIONERS.
1t has constantly been cause Of pride
and congratulatlon to the American citizen
that his country is not put to the charge of
maintaining a large standing army in time of
peace; yet we are now living under war tax
Whlch mas heen tolerated In peaceful times to
meet obligations incurred IN the war. But
for years past in all parts Of the country the
demand for reduction of the burdens of tax
atton upon our labor and production has
increased in volume and urgency
du HOT Wiling TO approve
measure presenting the objections to
which this bill is subject. and which
moreover will have the effect of dsappOint-
ing the expectation of the people and their de-
sire and hope for relief from war taxation IN
time of peace. In my last annual message
the following language was used: EVERY pa
triOtlc heart responds to tender consideration
for those, who having served their country
long ana well, are reduced to destitution and
dependence, not as an incident of their ser
vice, but with advancing age, or through
sickness or misfortune. We are all tempted
by the cOntem plation of such condition TO
supply relief. and are often impatient of the
limitations of public duty. Yielding TO no one
in desire to indulge this feeling of consider
alton, l cannot rid myself of the
conviction that if these eX-solders
are to be relieved, they and their cause are
entitled to the benefit of an enactment under
which relief may be claimed as a right, and
that such relief should be granted under the
sanction of the law, not in evasion Of it, nor
should such worthy objects of care, all
equally entitled. be remltted to the unequal
o GRAFTON OF sympathy or the tender mercies
of social and political influence with their
that the objects, conditions and limitations
thus suggested are contained in the bill
under consideration. l adhere TO the senti-
ments thus heretofore expressed, but the
evil threatened by this bill is, in my opinion,
such tn at, charged with great responsibility
in behalf Of the people. cannot do
otherwise than to bring to the consideration
of this measure my best efforts OF thought and
judgment. and perform my constitutional
duty in relation thereto regardless Of all con-
sequences, except such as appear to me to be
related to the best and highest interests Of
the country. GROVER CLEVELAND.
The Presidents veto effectually dis
poses of the pauper pension bill. 1t can
not secure the two-tnirds majority neces-
sary to pass it in either House.